Staunton residents invited to weigh in on proposed shared use path along Commerce Road

Staunton, Virginia – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is inviting residents and stakeholders in Staunton to attend a public hearing regarding a planned shared-use path along Commerce Road (Route 11). The open-house style meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 25, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Rita S. Wilson Council Chambers at Staunton City Hall, located at 116 W. Beverley Street.

The proposed project aims to repurpose the existing southbound lanes of Commerce Road into a 10- to 14-foot shared-use path, which will include a grass buffer. The route will span from just south of Statler Boulevard to just north of Greenville Avenue, covering approximately 0.82 miles. According to VDOT, this plan is part of a broader effort to extend walkable and bike-friendly infrastructure between downtown Staunton and the city’s northern limits.

“This project will improve access and mobility for all roadway users while enhancing a key gateway to the city’s downtown,” the agency noted in its announcement.

Public Input Opportunities and Project Details

During the meeting, citizens will have the opportunity to speak directly with VDOT officials and project designers in a one-on-one format. Attendees can provide written comments during the meeting or submit them within 10 days afterward to Sabrina Tarbell, Project Manager, at the VDOT Staunton office. Additionally, oral comments can be recorded onsite with the help of a court reporter.

In case of inclement weather, the hearing will be rescheduled for Wednesday, March 4, at the same time and location.

The project will also modify the existing northbound lanes, converting them into two 11-foot lanes to support both directions of traffic. All construction is expected to take place within the existing right of way, minimizing the need for property acquisition.

The path will extend from approximately 0.64-mile south of New Hope Road (Route 254) to 0.18-mile north of New Hope Road, connecting key parts of the city and creating a safer, more accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists.

Funding and Long-Term Vision

The estimated total cost of the project stands at $6.3 million, broken down into:

• $836,000 for preliminary engineering

• $128,000 for right of way acquisition

• $5.3 million for construction

This initiative was selected for funding through the SMART SCALE process, Virginia’s data-driven system for prioritizing transportation projects that offer the most benefit for cost.

In 2022, Commerce Road carried an average of 2,457 vehicles per day. That number is projected to rise to 2,789 vehicles per day by 2049, highlighting the need for infrastructure improvements to support increasing traffic and diverse mobility needs.

The new shared-use path is expected to enhance the city’s connectivity, offering a safer and more attractive corridor for both residents and visitors traveling on foot or by bicycle.

Additional information is on the VDOT project page.